UPDATE: Paramount and KADDB establish another defence joint venture

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South African land systems specialist Paramount has signed another agreement to create a joint venture (JV) company in Jordan with the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB), it was announced on 6 May.

The creation of the new company - Arabian Defence Industries - was announced at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition & Conference (SOFEX) in Amman.

Reports from SOFEX suggested that the JV would focus on local production of the Mbombe infantry combat vehicle, of which Jordan was also reported to be purchasing 50 units from the South African company. Other activities of the JV would cover modernising and upgrading Hawk aircraft as well as Mi-17 and Mi-24 Russian helicopters and Super Puma helicopters.

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KADDB and Paramount join forces

Today at SOFEX the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau Investment Group (KIG) and Paramount Group of South Africa are announcing a strategic joint venture that will see the production of proven defence technologies in Jordan. Known as Arabian Defence Industries (ADI), the joint venture will combine the capabilities of KIG and Paramount to o ffer a wide range of technologies to the Middle East, the world’s largest defence market.

The new entity will strengthen industrialisation across the Middle East, and be able to respond to customers by providing bespoke solutions to their requirements.

Shadi Ramzi Al Majali, chairman of KIG, said: “ADI brings together leaders in defence and aerospace innovation in a strong and unique partnership, which will deliver world class technologies and solutions, from the latest in armoured vehicle technologies to sophisticated aerospace technologies, including modernisation and upgrade capabilities of lighter and rotary wing aircra'ft for the speci fic requirements of defence forces in the region. ADI is the nucleus of an Arabian defence company that will invite other partners to participate and become the preeminent Arabian defence player.”

Ivor Ichikowitz, executive chairman of Paramount Group, commented: “ rough ADI it is our intention to transfer skills, technology and advanced defence capability into the Middle East. It is our intention to develop manufacturing facilities, establish research and development facilities, and create a strong Middle East/African partnership that will be extremely bene ficial as these two regions come together.”

ADI will o ffer a wide range of capabilities and technologies. Paramount Group brings expertise in many areas, such as armoured vehicles such as the Mbombe 6x6 on show at SOFEX.

Aerospace solutions include modernisation and upgrade for Super Puma, Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters, and also for the Hawk advanced/weapons trainer, of which a representative upgraded cockpit is being demonstrated on the ADI stand within the KIG Pavilion (Hall 5).